Inverness Christmas lights switch on

Thousands of spectators gathered around the Town House on Sunday evening to give Santa the warmest of welcomes as he flew into town to supervise the switching on of the Christmas Lights in Inverness.

Hosted by Moray Firth Radio stars Ginno Conti and Nicky Marr, this year’s Switch on Show featured some rousing renditions of an assortment of festive songs and Christmas Carols provided by the cast of the Eden Court Theatre pantomime Cinderella and a spectacular animated light show provided by Arts in Motion.

Following the arrival of Santa on to the top of Inverness Town House followed by a slightly more perilous climb down the front than usual, Santa emerged on to the stage followed by Provost Jimmy Gray and Countdown Competition Winner 9 Year old Sophie Gray from Cawdor who was given the honour of pressing the button which brought thousands of lights throughout the city centre and along the banks of the River Ness to life.

The evening closed with the traditional visit to the Old High Church by Santa and the Provost for the Christmas Carol Service “Ding Dong Merrily Old High” which featured a puppet show and was enjoyed by all.

Provost Gray said: “It was wonderful to see so many children here this evening. The lights really do brighten up Inverness throughout the whole festive season and the Council’s Lighting Department have done a wonderful job designing this year’s display.”